Correspondence

3363.  RB to William Wetmore Story

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 20, 149.

[Rome]

Tuesday, 4 oclock [21 March 1854] [1]

Dear Story,—I recd yours yesterday by some procaccio [2] —not the regular post,—too late for immediate answer—it mattered the less, however, as I was unable to see Dr P. before 7 oclock He wrote what you have just read. On getting your distressing note this morning I have gone to him again: & he bids me tell you that the doses of quinine are too weak, and should have been given during the fever, not after a fit of it merely; the fits recur too speedily to allow the medicine to digest and operate, and precious time is lost: give doses of four grains every hour, and abate them when the fit is arrested—(when the next fit, (that is) has been prevented). Nothing else will arrest the Perniciosa [3] —and that is fatal here. Don’t turn back, but whenever Edie has been two days without fever, post on as hard as you can,—giving quinine all the time. Nothing will be gained by going to Albano. These are his exact and very emphatic words. Of what use to add one of mine or Ba’s? You know our deepest sympathy is yours in this crisis. Pray keep writing. Ba’s truest love & pity go with mine to you & dear Mrs Story.

Ever yours affy

RB.

Address, on cover sheet: All’ Illussmo Signore / Sig Story, / Alla Locanda “La Posta” / Velletri.

Publication: BAF, p. 25.

Manuscript: Armstrong Browning Library.

1. This letter is appended to letter 3362, both being sent to Story under the same cover.

2. “Postman,” or “carrier.”

3. “Malignant fever.”

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